Butler Joins Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Ripley, Ohio, and Other Counties Across Greater Cincinnati Under Snow Emergencies and Travel Advisories as Winter Storm Brings Hazardous Road Conditions and Disruptions to Local Travel

Published on December 13, 2025

A powerful winter storm sweeping across the Greater Cincinnati region has led to snow emergencies and travel advisories being issued in multiple counties throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. As of December 13, 2025, local authorities have declared snow emergencies ranging from Level 1 to Level 3, while Indiana has implemented a color-coded travel advisory system, urging caution for all motorists across the region.

With hazardous road conditions expected due to snow accumulation and drifting, authorities have emphasized the importance of remaining cautious while on the roads. As the storm intensifies, these advisories and emergencies are crucial in guiding motorists and ensuring public safety during this dangerous weather event.

Snow Emergencies in Ohio: Butler County, Cincinnati’s Neighboring Regions Impacted

In Ohio, Butler County, home to the city of Hamilton, has been placed under a Level 1 Snow Emergency, effective from 11:24 a.m. on Saturday. The advisory urges motorists to use caution when traveling, as snow accumulation and icy conditions create hazardous roads. This level of snow emergency indicates that road conditions are hazardous, but the roads are still open to traffic.

Other neighboring counties in Ohio, including Cincinnati and areas near Cleveland, have faced similar warnings. Officials have advised that roadways in these areas are slippery and dangerous, especially in areas prone to ice accumulation.

Ohio’s snow emergency system is divided into three levels. While Level 1 suggests that the roads are hazardous but passable, Level 2 and Level 3 carry more severe restrictions. During Level 2, only essential travel is recommended, while Level 3 means that all non-emergency travel is banned, and violators could face arrest.

Kentucky: Boone County Snow Emergency and Advisory Levels

As the storm continues, Boone County, a key area in Kentucky located near the Cincinnati metro area, has been placed under a Level 1 Snow Emergency. This advisory became effective at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday and is in place due to hazardous driving conditions, including slick roads caused by snow and ice.

Kentucky, like Ohio, employs a tiered snow emergency system, urging citizens to follow local advisories to avoid dangerous conditions. Roads in Boone County and other parts of Kenton County, including Covington and Florence, are at risk of becoming icy as snow accumulates. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of only traveling if necessary.

The weather advisories in Kentucky extend to Campbell County, which is under similar snow emergency protocols. Newport, a vibrant city along the Ohio River, may see disruptions in daily activities as travel becomes increasingly difficult. Florence, another neighboring city, is facing the same winter weather challenges, with authorities urging caution for commuters.

Indiana’s “Yellow” Travel Advisory: Warnings Across Multiple Counties

In Indiana, counties like Dearborn, Ripley, Switzerland, and Ohio are under yellow travel advisories, Indiana’s equivalent of Level 1 Snow Emergencies. These advisories indicate that snow and icy road conditions are expected to worsen, and motorists should remain cautious while driving. While roads are open, Indiana officials are advising against unnecessary travel.

Lawrenceburg in Dearborn County, known for its riverfront casinos and historical sites, is experiencing difficult driving conditions, affecting travelers headed to the Hollywood Casino. Versailles, home to Versailles State Park and a popular outdoor recreation spot, is also feeling the impact of the snowstorm, making travel to and from the area treacherous.

Indiana’s color-coded advisory system—yellow, orange, and red—alerts citizens of the severity of road conditions, with yellow advising caution, orange indicating hazardous roads, and red restricting non-essential travel. As the storm progresses, these advisories will likely escalate, leading to more stringent restrictions.

Why Snow Emergencies Matter: Keeping the Roads Safe for Everyone

The issuance of snow emergencies and travel advisories is a critical part of maintaining safety during winter storms. These warnings help prevent accidents and ensure that roads remain as safe as possible for essential travel. The winter storm that has affected Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana is expected to continue through the weekend, with significant snow and icy conditions across the region. Authorities urge residents and visitors to follow these advisories to minimize disruptions and reduce the risk of dangerous situations.

Local law enforcement in each county has been tasked with monitoring road conditions and ensuring that motorists adhere to the emergency levels and travel advisories. Additionally, public works departments are working tirelessly to clear roads, but icy conditions may persist, making travel unsafe.

In Ohio, Level 1 emergencies primarily serve to warn motorists about the possibility of slick and icy roads. These warnings are not legally binding but strongly encourage caution. However, once counties issue Level 2 or Level 3 emergencies, non-emergency travel may be subject to fines or even arrest in certain cases. Drivers are advised to stay off the roads during these higher-level emergencies unless absolutely necessary.

Local Travel Impact: Disruptions to Commuters, Tourists, and Businesses

As the snowstorm continues, the disruptions to local travel and commerce are becoming more apparent. Daily commuters, families, and businesses are adjusting their schedules to accommodate the storm’s impact. Many businesses in the Cincinnati metro area, particularly those in Covington and Florence, may close early or operate with limited hours due to the hazardous weather conditions.

For travelers visiting the area, the storm has created potential delays and cancellations, especially for flights, buses, and trains. People looking to attend events, visit family, or simply enjoy local attractions are advised to monitor weather updates and follow all travel advisories closely.

Local airports like Cincinnati/NKY International Airport may also experience delays or cancellations due to the inclement weather. The storm could impact passengers looking to travel during the holiday season, which typically sees a surge in travelers. Customers are urged to check with airlines for updates on potential disruptions to flight schedules.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

As the storm moves forward, it is expected to intensify, with snow totals potentially reaching several inches in some areas. Travel across the region will become increasingly challenging, and the advisory levels may shift to higher levels as more counties implement Level 2 or Level 3 emergency protocols. These advisories are crucial in preventing accidents and protecting the public as road conditions continue to deteriorate.

Officials from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana are working together to ensure that public safety is a priority during this winter weather event. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local government websites, news outlets, and social media channels for the latest information.

Conclusion: Protecting Yourself During Winter Weather

The ongoing winter storm has highlighted the importance of understanding and adhering to snow emergency systems and travel advisories. With hazardous conditions expected to persist across Greater Cincinnati, it’s crucial to stay informed, plan your travel accordingly, and avoid unnecessary trips in dangerous weather. By following these advisories and taking appropriate precautions, residents and visitors alike can help ensure their safety during this challenging winter season.